Bucks County Playhouse
Situated on the banks of the Delaware River in New Hope Pennsylvania, the Bucks County Playhouse has a most illustrious theatrical history. Since 1939, Bucks County Playhouse, a former grist mill, has seen an array of great talents from Helen Hayes to Alfred Drake walk across its stage.
Bucks County Playhouse at dusk. (photo: Mandee Kuenzle)
Benjamin Parry built the Hope Mills in 1790, and in the 1930’s the building faced demolition. Luckily, the site was saved when a group of artists, including Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident Moss Hart, helped rally the local community to renovate it as a theater.
Janice Berliner, East Coast Bureau Chief,
“The Soul of the American Actor” in front of Bucks County Playhouse.
On July 1, 1939, the re-named Bucks County Playhouse opened with a production of “Springtime for Henry,” featuring Edward Everett Horton. Very quickly, the Playhouse became “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater” with a veritable who’s who of American theatrical royalty including: Alan Alda, Hume Cronyn, Tyne Daly, Bob Fosse, Lillian Gish, Grace Kelly, Jack Klugman, Angela Lansbury, Walter Matthau, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters, Zero Mostel, Robert Redford, Jessica Tandy and Dick Van Dyke.
The Bucks County Playhouse remained in continuous operation until the end of 2010. Thanks to the Bridge Street Foundation, the nonprofit family foundation of Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, the theatrical landmark was renovated, re-opened and celebrated on July 2, 2012, exactly 73 years and a day from when it originally opened.
Posters of Kay Francis in “Mirror, Mirror” and Ruth White, Jack Klugman and Ronald Telfer in Clifford Odets’ “The Country Girl.”
Producing Director, Jed Bernstein, revitalized the Bucks County Playhouse with the return of professional Equity productions and special fundraising events. Faithful Bucks County Playhouse alums including Tyne Daly, Andrea McArdle and Angela Lansbury returning to support its re-birth. Many illustrious Broadway stars were added to the Bucks County Playhouse alumni roster including James Earl Jones, Marsha Mason, Marilu Henner, Bebe Neuwirth and Alan Cumming.
“Guys and Dolls” starring Elena Shaddow as Sarah, Clarke Thorell as Sky, Steve Rosen as Nathan, and Lesli Margherita as Adelaide, directed by Hunter Foster. (photo: © Joan Marcus)
Terrence McNally’s “Mothers and Sons,” starring Tyne Daly, directed by Sheryl Kaller, received its world premiere at the Bucks County Playhouse in June, 2013, and made the leap to Broadway in spring, 2014, returning the Playhouse to its roots as an incubator for Broadway (starting with 1951’s “The Fourposter” starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, Neil Simon’s first play, “Come Blow Your Horn,” and “Barefoot in the Park” starring Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley). The Bucks County Playhouse mission continues to be to present first-class professional entertainment by providing the finest in theatrical entertainment for visitors and residents of New Hope and the Bucks County area.
“Million Dollar Quartet” John Michael Presney, left, James David Larson, Sky Seals, Brandyn Day, Ari McKay Wilford, Zach Cossman (on drums), Ryah Nixon, and James Ludwig.
Offering an exciting education program, Bucks County Playhouse serves children, teens and adults through an on-going mission to contribute to the American Theatre canon. By fostering relationships between established and emerging artists through musical theatre, playwriting and original theatre programs, they offer student matinees, master classes, year-round programs culminating in performances on the Playhouse stage. Bucks County Playhouse also presents a Student Theater Festival, Playhouse Youth Company, and a summer conservatory for teens as well as master classes with Broadway stars.
“Mama Mia!”
Robyn Goodman became Executive Producer of Bucks County Playhouse in 2014. She developed and produced the musicals “Avenue Q” (2004 Tony Award) and “In the Heights” (2008 Tony Award). Alexander Fraser is Bucks County Playhouse Producing Director. He has worked as a theatrical producer, general manager, and nonprofit executive for over seventy-five Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End, and touring productions, including “Kinky Boots,” and Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” directed by George C. Wolfe, with Mr. Fraser receiving the 2011 Tony Award. For info: Bucks County Playhouse 70 South Main Street, New Hope, Pennsylvania, 215-862-2121, www.bcptheatre.com
The Original Cast of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.” (photo: © Joan Marcus
